How should we live?

Last night as I was visiting with my son, we were discussing different shows and movies we like. (I admit I don’t really like a lot of tv and movies.) As we were discussing a certain show, I said I could not watch it because all the humor in it was ungodly. I went on to explain that the whole premise of the show was making fun of sinful acts. I then said the Bible says we shouldn’t laugh at inappropriate things. My son said, “really, the Bible says that.” My first thought was, “isn’t it a no brainier that God would not want us laughing at sin and making jokes about it.” But I replied to my son and said in Ephesians chapter five it says (and I read him this),

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.14 For this reason it says,

“Awake, sleeper,And arise from the dead,And Christ will shine on you.”

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ toGod, even the Father;21 and be subject to one another in thefear of Christ.”

After reading these verses to my son, I thought they were pretty clear how we should live and what we should watch and find humorous. But my son said, “you said the Bible says we shouldn’t laugh at things.” I forgot that my son is a very literal learner. To him the words laugh at inappropriate things was not in the verse anywhere. So, it was my job as his mom and God appointed teacher/trainer of the Ways of YHVH, to explain that these verses implied that as we walk in obedience to YHVH we should not be look at or laughing at things that are immoral and impure.

Maybe you have someone in your life that is a literal learner, be sure to take the time to ask them questions about the materials your teaching them. Make sure you ask them to explain what they understand about a passage of scripture. Be sure to take the time to discuss sermons, teachings, and other resources that they are learning from. Make sure they truly understand.